REPORT OF THE

COMBINED COMMITTEE

FOR

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

OF

SYSTEM OPERATORS

March 2010

ii

CONTENTS

Acronyms iv

Executive Summary v

Acknowledgement xi

1.0 Background 1

2.0 Skills required in LDC Executives

6

3.0 Prevailing Practices of Training &

Certification of LDC Executives

7

4.0 Recommendations on Training of LDC

Executives

9

4.1 Identification of training curriculum / course

lay out for system operators including

lectures, simulator training / site visits

9

4.2 Identification of institutes / organisations for

conducting of training / site visits

11

4.3 Duration and Periodicity of training and

Basic Level Training / Advance Training

13

5.0 Recommendations on Certification of

System Operators

13

5.1 Criteria and Procedure for Certification of

System Operators

13

5.2 Periodicity of Certification 14

5.3 Certification Authority 15

5.4 Whether certification Authority will be same

both for RLDC and SLDC?

16

6.0 Recommendations on Designing suitable

course at IITs, NITs, IIMs etc. for sponsored

candidates from Load Dispatch Centres

16

6.1 Identification of Institutes / Organisations for

conducting these courses

16

iii

6.2 Procedure for selection of candidates and

Level of experience / designation of

candidates for undergoing these courses

17

6.3 Periodicity and Duration of courses 17

6.4 Identification of multi lateral institutions for

funding

18

6.5 Interaction with the selected multi lateral

institutions

18

Annex-I

Extracts of the Report of the Committee on

Manpower, Certification and Incentives for

System Operation and Ring Fencing Load

Despatch Centres

20

Annex-II

Action Plan formulated for implementation of the Recommendations of the Pradhan Committee (Relevant extract of the minutes of the meeting held on 7-10-2008)

22

Annex-III Office Order constituting the Combined Committee

23

Annex – IV

Minutes of the meeting of the Combined Committee

26

Annex-V

Comments received from the members of the Combined Committee

33

Annex-VI

Course Contents of the Modules for Training Curriculum of System Operators

40

Annex – VII

Model memorandum of understanding

between Educational Institute and Load

Despatch Centre/Company

58

Annex – VII

Comments of NPTI on the draft report

circulated on 11th December 2009

61

iv

ALDC Area Load Despatch Centre

CEA Central Electricity Authority

CPD Continuing Professional Development

CPRI Central Power Research Institute

CPSU Central Public Sector Undertaking

DTS Despatcher Training Simulator

EMS Energy Management System

ESCI Engineering Staff College of India

FOLD Forum of Load Despatchers

FOR Forum of Regulators

GO&D Grid Operation & Distribution

IIM Indian Institute of Management

IISc Indian Institute of Science

IIT Indian Institute of Technology

ISO Independent System Operator

IT Information Technology

LDC Load Despatch Centre

MOP Ministry of Power

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

MSETCL Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Corporation

NERC North American Electric Reliability Corporation

NERPC North Eastern Regional Power Committee

NIT National Institute of Technology

NLDC National Load Despatch Centre

NPTI National Power Training Institute

PJM PJM Interconnection LLC, USA

POWERGRID Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd

PSTI Power System Training Institute

RLDC Regional Load Despatch Centre

SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition

SLDC State Load Despatch Centre

TSO Transmission System Operator

WBSETCL West Bengal State Electric Power Transmission Corporation

Acronyms

v

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ministry of Power constituted a committee headed by Sh. G.B. Pradhan,

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power vide order no. 6/2/2008-Trans

dated 4th February 2008, to examine issues relating to manpower,

certification and incentives for the personnel employed in System

Operation at various levels and also for ring-fencing the Load Despatch

Centres to ensure their functional autonomy. Pradhan Committee in its

Report has indicated that there is huge disparity in various LDCs on the

aspects of skill up-gradation and opportunities being provided for

imparting training in their respective fields. In line with the

Recommendation 3 of the Pradhan Committee and Action Plan decided

during the meeting taken by Secretary (Power), a combined committee

headed by Member (GO&D), CEA was constituted to recommend the

system for training and certification of system operators and to design

suitable courses at IITs, NITs and IIMs etc. for sponsored candidates

from LDCs.

The Terms of Reference of the Combined Committee are given below:

1. Training of System Operators

2. Certification of System Operators

3. Design suitable course at IITs, NITs, IIMs etc. for sponsored

candidates from Load Dispatch Centres

vi

The summary of the Recommendations of the Committee are as follows:

1. Recommendations on Training of LDC Executives:

a) Course Content: The training curriculum for LDC executives

should include modules on aspects such as System Frequency &

Tie Line Control, System Voltage Control, Resource Scheduling,

System Security, Protection coordination and insulation

coordination, System Restoration, SCADA / EMS, Disturbance

Analysis, Power System Reliability, Power System Optimisation,

Despatcher Training Simulator (DTS), Commercial & Economic

Aspects, Legal framework, Policies and Regulation, System

Operation – International Practices, Electricity Markets, etc. The

detailed course contents for the above modules are given at

Annex-VI.

The detailed course material would require to be reviewed

periodically to take care of changing requirement and keep abreast

with the latest developments in the sector. It is recommended that

a Committee of Experts may be constituted with members drawn

from CEA, NLDC, RLDCs, SLDCs and the Academia to ensure

that the course content is relevant and covers all aspects. This

committee may also periodically review the course material.

b) Institutes for Training System Operators: To start with, the

courses can be conducted in the Institutes under the umbrella of

NPTI, which has got requisite infrastructure and other facilities

such as Power system simulators, High voltage testing lab, relay

testing lab, instrumentation lab. NPTI has facilities available at

Delhi, Faridabad, Nagpur, Durgapur and at Bangalore (PSTI),

broadly covering all the Regions and they may gear up their

vii

infrastructure to provide training to the System Operators. Since a

large number of operators would have to be trained in short span of

time, gradually, other institutions such as the IITs, IISc, IIMs, NITs,

etc. may also be considered for imparting the training, particularly

advance level training on regular basis to the system operators

depending on the requirements.

c) Accreditation of Institutes imparting the Training: In order to

ensure that desired level of quality is maintained by training

institutes imparting basic level training, the Committee

recommends that an institute must get accredited from CEA before

it starts imparting training to LDC executives. For this purpose,

CEA will be required to frame guidelines for accreditation of the

institutes imparting training to LDC executives. Till such time

CEA comes out with these guidelines, NPTI will continue to impart

basic level training. The requirement of accreditation is not

applicable to institutes like NITs, IITs, IIMs and IISc which may be

conducting advance level and specialised courses for LDC

executives.

d) Duration and Periodicity of Training: The suggested duration of

the course for basic level training is three months. Every LDC

executive will have to undergo basic level training within one year

of joining at the entry level. Those executives who are already

working in the LDCs for duration of less than 3 years would have to

undergo the basic level training program and obtain Certification.

Those executives who are already working in the LDCs for a

duration of more than 3 years would have the option of undertaking

self study and go for Certification. As part of the Continuing

Professional Development (CPD), it is desirable that the LDC

viii

executives, who have completed basic level training, undergo

training of 1-2 weeks duration every year through various refresher

courses and advance level training courses conducted by IITs, IISc,

NITs, PSTI, ESCI and other such organisations.

2. Recommendations on certification of LDC Executives:

a) Criterion and Procedure for Certification of System Operators:

The Committee suggests three level Certification viz. basic level,

specialist level and management level. The Committee

recommends that certification authority may conduct the online

examination for all the three levels of Certification on periodic basis

(half yearly / quarterly) basis and fix the criteria for award of grade

on the basis of performance.

b) Periodicity of Certification: All personnel working in the LDCs

would have to undergo at least the Basic Level Certification by

2011. Each LDC executive at the entry level will have to obtain

basic level certificate within 1½ years of induction. Subsequently,

this certificate will have to be renewed every 3 years.

c) Certification Authority: The Committee feels that for an initial

period of 3 years, NPTI may be designated as the Certification

Authority for NLDC, RLDCs, SLDCs and ALDCs for maintaining

uniformity in the pattern of examination. This position may be

reviewed thereafter in view of the recommendation of the Pradhan

Committee that training and certification agencies should be

different.

ix

3. Recommendations on Designing Suitable Courses at IITs, NITs,

IIMs for sponsored candidates:

a) Identification of Institutes / Organizations: The Committee

recommends that in line with the charter of Forum of Load

Despatchers (FOLD), Secretariat of FOLD can pursue with

premier institutes like NITs, IITs, IISc and IIMs to regularly conduct

short-term courses specially designed for LDC executives.

Secretariat of FOLD can also hold discussion with NITs, IITs and

IISc to explore feasibility of starting a post graduate course on

system operation or offering relevant electives in their regular post

graduate course on power system.

b) Procedure for Selection of Candidates: The Committee feels

that all entry level and middle level executives should get

opportunity to attend specialised short-term courses to be

conducted by IITs, IISC and NITs. However, for post-graduate

courses, only LDC executives who have completed at least 3 years

of service and have obtained desired certification may be

sponsored.

c) Periodicity and Duration of Courses: Short term specialised

courses may be conducted at least twice a year, perhaps once in

summer and once in winter. Post-graduate course are generally of

24 months duration and it may not be possible to alter this duration

especially for LDC executives.

d) Identification of Multilateral Institutes for Funding: The

Committee recommends that collaboration with National /

International Institutes for developing and resolving the operational

as well as commercial issues be explored. Possibility of obtaining

funds from multilateral institutions like ADB and World Bank etc

may be explored for structured training programmes and for

x

creation of specialised infrastructure in the training institutes, if so

required.

e) Interaction with selected multilateral institutions: NPTI or

other accredited training institutes in consultation with FOLD and

CEA may approach multilateral institutions for funding through

Ministry of Power, Government of India.

xi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As Chairman of the Committee, I am thankful to all the

members of the Committee for actively participating in the

discussion and giving their valuable suggestions. Load

Despatch Centres are the nerve centres of the electric supply

systems and therefore training and certification of the executives

working in Load Despatch Centres is of utmost importance. I am

hopeful that this report will not only kick-start the this process,

but will also help to guide the process in right direction to meet

the future needs of fast expanding electric supply systems in

India.

I am particularly thankful to Shri S.K. Soonee, Executive

Director (SO), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd and his

officers for contribution in preparation of this report. Last but

not the least; I acknowledge immense contribution of my officers

who have worked in Grid Management Division during various

phases of preparation of this report.

(S.M. Dhiman)

Member (GO&D), CEA

&

Chairman of the Committee

March 19, 2010

New Delhi

1

REPORT OF THE COMBINED COMMITTEE

1.0 Background

1.1 During the interactive session organized by the Ministry of Power

(MOP) with the Forum of Regulators (FOR) on the 5th November

2007, the importance of the role of the system operators working in

the Load Despatch Centers (LDCs) was highlighted and the need

for capacity building by imparting training & certification was

emphasized. Subsequently, Ministry of Power constituted a

committee headed by Sh. G.B. Pradhan, Additional Secretary,

Ministry of Power vide order no. 6/2/2008-Trans dated 4th February

2008, to examine issues relating to manpower, certification and

incentives for the personnel employed in System Operation at

various levels and also for ring-fencing the Load Despatch Centres

to ensure their functional autonomy. The Committee examined

various aspects of functioning of LDCs in India and viewed that the

functions discharged by LDCs are highly specialised and technical.

Pradhan Committee submitted the Report to the Government on

the 18th August 2008 and gave recommendations for strengthening

and ring fencing of LDCs in India.

1.2 Pradhan Committee in its Report has indicated that there is huge

disparity in various LDCs on the aspects of skill upgradation and

opportunities being provided for imparting training in their

respective fields. The Committee observed that in the rapidly

changing scenario a new look at the operator’s competencies is

required and emphasized the need to develop a system to ensure

2

that quality services are delivered by LDCs. The Committee

suggested the need to develop an elaborate process on the lines of

the procedure being followed for selection, training and regular

assessment of personnel associated with aviation industry viz.

aircraft pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers and air traffic

management etc. Apart from the induction level courses, the

Committee felt that refresher courses, specialized training for skill

upgradation of system operators / load dispatchers in the LDCs is

also essential.

1.3 A typical organizational structure of a Load Despatch Centre as

envisaged by Pradhan Committee is given below.

3

1.4 Subsequently, a meeting chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Power,

was held on the 7th October 2008 to decide an action plan for

implementation of the recommendations of the Committee. The

meeting was attended by Chairperson, CEA, the Energy / Power

Secretaries from the states, State Electricity Regulatory and senior

officers from CPSUs, CPRI, NPTI and State Power Utilities.

Various issues related to implementation of the report of the

Pradhan Committee were discussed during the meeting. It was

decided to constitute three different task forces to oversee the

implementation of different recommendations of the Committee. In

terms of MOP O.M. No.6/2/2008-Trans. dated 13th October 2008,

Sl.No.1&2 of Clause 6.3d of Recommendation No. 3, Committees

were to be constituted by CEA for the Training and Certification of

System Operators. Further, in terms of Sl.No.1 of Clause 6.3 (g) of

Recommendation No. 3 (a), a committee was to be constituted by

CEA to design suitable course at IITs, NITs, IIMs etc. for

sponsored candidates from Load Dispatch Centres. The extracts of

Recommendation 3 of the Pradhan Committee and Action Plan

formulated during the meeting held on 7-10-2008 for its

implementation is given in Annex-I and Annex-II respectively.

1.5 In line with the Recommendation 3 of the Pradhan Committee and

Action Plan decided during the meeting taken by Secretary (Power),

a combined committee headed by Member (GO&D), CEA was

constituted to recommend the system for training and certification

of system operators and to design suitable courses at IITs, NITs

and IIMs etc. for sponsored candidates from LDCs. The Office

Order constituting the combined Committee is given at Annex-III.

4

The Terms of Reference of the Combined Committee are given

below:

(i) Training of System Operators

a) Identification of training curriculum/course layout for System

Operators including lectures/simulator training/site visits.

b) Identification of Institutes / Organisations for conducting of

training/site visits.

c) Duration of training.

d) Basic level training/Advanced training.

e) Periodicity of training

(ii) Certification of System Operators

a) Criteria for Certification of System Operators.

b) Certification procedure.

c) Periodicity of Certification.

d) Certification Authority.

e) Online certification procedure.

f) Whether Certification Authority will be the same both for RLDC and

SLDC.

(iii)Design suitable course at IITs,NITs,IIMs etc. for sponsored

candidates from Load Dispatch Centres

a) Identification of Institutes/Organisations for conducting these

courses.

b) Level of experience/designation for candidates for undergoing

these courses.

c) Procedure for selection of candidates.

d) Duration of courses.

5

e) Periodicity of courses.

f) Identification of multilateral institutions for funding.

g) Interaction with the selected multilateral institutions.

1.6 The meeting of the Combined Committee was held on 30th January,

2009 wherein it was decided that

- All Members will send their comments on the course content

as per the training proposal of NPTI circulated by Director (GM), CEA to all other Members through E-Mail by 10th February, 2009.

- After receipt of the comments, a smaller working group will meet in NPTI to finalize the course module. This would be finalized by middle of February, 2009.

The minutes of the Meeting are given at Annex-IV.

The comments / observations / suggestions were received from

North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC) / Maharashtra

State Electricity Transmission Corporation (MSETCL) & West

Bengal State Electric Power Transmission Corporation

(WBSETCL) which are given at Annex-V.

1.7 First draft of the report was circulated to all the members of the

committee in August 2009. The draft of the report was revised

primarily based on the comments and suggestions of the members

and the second draft was again circulated to all the members on

11th December 2009, with the request to give suggestions, if any

by 18th December 2009. Only NPTI has given certain suggestions,

which are enclosed as Annex-VIII. Some of the suggestions of the

NPTI regarding faculty development and infrastructure support

have been incorporated in para 4.2.3 of the report.

6

2.0 Skills required in LDC Executives

2.1 The system operator is required to possess the capability to clearly

visualise the present state of power system, assimilate and analyse,

draw conclusions and take action which are in conformity with

existing grid code, standards and market rules. The job of system

operator also involves dissemination of information and interaction

with stake holders / utilities. It is therefore, necessary to provide

adequate training and evolve a system of certification of operators

manning LDCs both for shift staff as well as support personnel in

other areas.

2.2 Pradhan Committee had earlier conducted a survey of all LDCs in

India to assess the profile of the personnel working in the LDCs.

The current strength of executives working in the LDCs in the

entire country at all levels is around 1200. The Report projects a

total requirement of 2350 to 2750 for all LDCs. Manpower

requirement on average of 60-70 persons in an LDC has been

assessed by the Committee. The break-up of the posts in Top,

Middle and Lower management level in a LDC may be as under.

Management Level %

Top 2

Middle 12

Lower 86

Total 100

2.3 The majority of officials at executive level will be from engineering

background. According to Pradhan Committee Report, the present

skill and domain of knowledge of work force comprise 76%

7

electrical, 10% electronics, 6% mechanical, 1.5% computer

science and 1.8% instrumentation and 4.7% others.

2.4 The manpower requirements of the LDCs may also vary depending

upon the size of the power system under the jurisdiction of LDCs.

For example, larger States such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra

may also require Area Load Despatch Centers (ALDCs) to assist

the SLDCs and the number of persons required for the Load

Despatch function will be comparatively higher.

2.5 As follow up action to the recommendations of the Pradhan

Committee, Ministry of Power had inert-alia constituted a Task

Force headed by Chairperson, CEA to examine the aspects related

to Manpower, Selection, Recruitment Procedure etc. of SLDCs.

This Task Force has submitted its final report in October 2009 to

the Ministry of Power. The Procedure for Certification of System

Operators has to be in conformity to the Recruitment Procedure

recommended by the Task Force.

3.0 Prevailing Practices of Training & Certification of LDC

Executives

3.1 The Load Despatch Centres cover the four broad functional areas

viz. system operation, market operation, system logistics and

services. The LDCs are to function round the clock with suitably

skilled manpower for system operation, market operation, research

& analysis, regulatory affairs, logistics (system data acquisition,

energy management, communication, IT system) and other

establishment services to carry out the assigned functions. With

the view to elicit information regarding the prevailing practices with

regard to training being imparted and system of certification to

8

system operators, inputs were provided by Members of the

Combined Committee. West Bengal State Electricity Transmission

Corporation (WBSETCL), Maharashtra State Electricity

Transmission Corporation (MSETCL) and North Eastern Regional

Power Committee provided the inputs / suggestions to the

Committee. WBSETCL and MSETCL conveyed that there is no

system of organised training for system operators / load

dispatchers and there is no participation in courses at IITs, NITs

and IIMs on regular basis. There is no system prevailing in these

organisations for certification of system operators. The engineers /

system operators are, however, imparted relevant training in the

programs organised by the various organisations from time to time

like Power System Training Institute (PSTI), Bangalore,

Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), Hyderabad etc.

3.2 Pradhan Committee in its Report has observed that the North

American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has a system

operator certification programme to provide the framework for

examination for obtaining the initial certification in one of the four

NERC Credentials viz. Transmission Operators, Balancing and

Interchange Operators, Balancing, Interchange and Transmission

Operators and Reliability Operators. According to NERC practice

for award of certification, a written examination is conducted for

testing the operators on their knowledge of NERC operating

policies as well as principles of operation of interconnected power

system. The certificates are revalidated every three years and it is

a mandatory requirement to obtain certification by personnel

manning control centres in North America.

9

3.3 A Working Group of the Combined Committee comprising

representatives of NPTI, CEA and POWERGRID deliberated on

the inputs / suggestions given by the Members of the Committee

regarding various aspects of training of system operators,

certification of system operators, suitable courses at IITs, IIMs and

NITs for sponsored candidates from Load Depatch Centres. The

Combined Committee also studied the system prevailing in other

countries by literature survey and other material available on the

subject for consideration by the Combined Committee.

4.0 Recommendations on Training of LDC Executives

The recommendations of this Committee on various items as per

Terms of reference are as under.

4.1 Identification of training curriculum / course lay out for system

operators including lectures, simulator training / site visits

4.1.1 The following modules for the training curriculum are

recommended for LDC executives to carry out the functions assigned to

them in various Divisions of LDCs.

• Orientation / Overview

• Review of Electrical Engineering Fundamentals

• Generation

• Transmission

• Distribution

• Power System Protection

• Grid Operation and Management

- System Frequency & Tie Line Control

10

- System Voltage Control

- Resource Scheduling

- System Security, Protection coordination and insulation

coordination

- System Restoration

- SCADA / EMS

- Disturbance Analysis

- Power System Reliability

- Power System Optimisation

- Despatcher Training Simulator (DTS)

- Commercial & Economic Aspects

- Legal framework, Policies and Regulation

- System Operation – International Practices

• Electricity Markets

• Data processing, analysis and presentation

• IT – Tools

• Management Module

• Practical Experience

4.1.2 The combined committee has prepared detailed training

curriculum based on the above mentioned modules, which is given at

Annex- VI. The course material may be designed in such a way that all

the major areas mentioned in the training curriculum are covered. The

Indian Power Sector is passing through a phase of high growth and there

are changes in the policies, rules and regulations which have a bearing

on the System Operation. The detailed course material would require

periodic review to take care of changing requirement and keep abreast

with the latest developments in the sector. It is recommended that a

11

Committee of Experts may be constituted with members drawn from

CEA, NLDC, RLDCs, SLDCs and the Academia to ensure that the

course content is relevant and covers all aspects. This committee may

also periodically review the course material.

4.1.3 Regulations on open access, power trading, terms and conditions

of tariff have all been introduced during the last four to five years. Power

Exchanges have been operationalized and the rules governing them

have also been framed during last two years. Review of the principle of

transmission pricing is under process by the Central Electricity

Regulatory Commission. In view of the above, the Committee feels it to

be appropriate to leave it to the training institutes to ensure inclusion of

all the latest regulations relevant to system operators in their training

courses from time to time.

4.2 Identification of institutes / organisations for conducting of

training / site visits

4.2.1 The Committee feels that to start with, the courses can be

conducted in the Institutes under the umbrella of NPTI, which has got

requisite infrastructure and other facilities such as Power system

simulators, High voltage testing lab, relay testing lab, instrumentation lab,

required for such courses. NPTI has facilities available at Delhi,

Faridabad, Nagpur, Durgapur and at Bangalore (PSTI), broadly covering

all the Regions and they may gear up their infrastructure to provide

training to the System Operators.

4.2.2 It has already been mentioned that presently about 1200

personnel are involved in the System Operation function and the

12

projected requirement is around 2750. Since a large number of operators

would have to be trained in short span of time, gradually, other

institutions such as the IITs, IIMs, NITs, etc. may also be considered for

imparting the training, particularly advance level training on regular basis

to the system operators depending on the requirements.

4.2.3 In order to ensure that desired level of quality is maintained by

training institutes imparting basic level training, the Committee

recommends that an institute must get accredited from CEA before it

starts imparting training to LDC executives. This will be in line with the

function of promoting measures to advance skills of the persons

engaged in electricity industry, which has been entrusted to CEA under

Section 73 (g) of the Electricity Act, 2003. For this purpose, CEA will be

required to frame guidelines for accreditation of the institutes imparting

training to LDC executives. However, till CEA comes out with these

guidelines, NPTI will continue to impart basic level training. NPTI may

immediately initiate action for faculty development and creation of

additional infrastructure if any, for conducting training courses as well as

to undertake responsibility of certification authority discussed in the later

part of the report. In order to have closer interaction with LDCs and for

better understanding of their training needs, NPTI may get in touch with

secretariat of the FOLD. The Committee wishes to clarify that the

requirement of accreditation is not applicable to institutes like NITs, IITs,

IIMs and IISc which may be conducting advance level and specialised

courses for LDC executives.

4.2.4 The Recommendation 6.3(g) of the Pradhan Committee says-

“g) Active collaboration of LDCs with educational institutes for research

13

and development related to Indian power system and electricity market

operation.”

In the meeting taken by Secretary, Ministry of Power on the 7th

October 2008 regarding the implementation of the Recommendations of

the Pradhan Committee, an action plan was drawn up for implementation

of Recommendation 6.3(g) where it has been recorded that a

Memorandum of Understanding between the LDCs and Educational

Institutions would be signed. In line with the above Recommendations, a

Draft MOU with the Educational Institutions has been prepared and is

enclosed at Annex – VII.

4.3 Duration and Periodicity of training and Basic Level Training / Advance Training 4.3.1 The suggested duration of the course for basic level training is

three months. Every LDC executive will have to undergo basic level

training within one year of joining at the entry level. Those executives

who are already working in the LDCs for a duration of less than 3 years

would have to undergo the basic level training program and go for

Certification. Those executives who are already working in the LDCs for

a duration of more than 3 years would have the option of undertaking self

study and go for Certification. An intensive short duration training

program of 1 – 2 weeks duration could also be arranged for executives

who have a working experience of more than 3 years in the LDCs.

4.3.2 As part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD), it is

desirable that the LDC executives, who have completed basic level

training, undergo training of 1-2 weeks duration every year through

various refresher courses and advance level training courses conducted

14

by IITs, IISc, NITs, PSTI, ESCI and other such organisations. Also, there

is a need to rope in premier Institutes in the field of Management such as

the IIMs, since Management Level Certification is also being envisaged.

5.0 Recommendations on Certification of System Operators

5.1 Criteria and Procedure for Certification of System Operators

5.1.1 The Committee recommends three level Certification viz. basic

level, specialist level and management level. This aspect has also been

referred to by the MOP Task Force on “Capital Expenditure and Issues

Related to Emoluments for Personnel in Load Despatch Center” (report

submitted to MOP in June 2009), which has recommended linking of

incentive at various levels to the Certification. For becoming a Divisional

head, a specialist level certification in addition to a basic level

certification is recommended. For becoming the head of LDC, a

management level certification in addition to basic level and specialist

level certifications is recommended. For personnel at other levels, basic

level certification is recommended as the essential qualification.

5.1.2 The Committee recommends that the designated certification

authority may conduct the online examination for all the three levels of

Certification on periodic basis (half yearly / quarterly) basis and fix the

criteria for award of grade on the basis of performance. There may be

total of five grades from A to E and grade C may be kept as the minimum

benchmark for award of certification. The examination papers may be set

after taking input from experts in various fields and then consolidating

and moderating the same. Experts in the various fields should be

15

selected in such a manner that they represent a good mix of the industry

and academia.

5.2 Periodicity of Certification

5.2.1 All personnel working in the LDCs would have to undergo at least

the Basic Level Certification by the end of 2011. Each LDC executive at

the entry level will have to obtain basic level certificate within 1½ years of

induction. Subsequently, this certificate will have to be renewed every 3

years.

5.2.2 During these three years, in order to maintain the certification

status as ‘active’, LDC executive would have to work in the respective

area. Moreover, he should also have attended refresher courses for at

least 5 days in a year as part of Continuing Professional Development

(CPD) during this period. At the end of each financial year falling within

these three years, head of the LDC will certify ‘active status’ of

certification or otherwise for all the LDC personnel. At the end of three

years, the LDC executive will have to appear in the examination for re-

certification.

5.2.3 Once the initial period (first phase) of 2-3 years is passed, say

after 2011-12, LDC executives with 10 years experience, particularly

those who are likely to be considered for the post of Divisional Heads,

may appear for Specialist Level certification examination. Similarly, a

LDC executive who has obtained Specialist Level Certification and has

completed 15 years of service may appear in the Management Level

certification examination. The detailed modalities in this respect would

be worked out subsequently.

16

5.3 Certification Authority

5.3.1 Pradhan Committee has recommended that to maintain credibility,

the training and certification agencies need to be different. It has further

recommended that to begin with, the NPTI may be entrusted with the

responsibility of training and certification of system operators. This

Committee also feels that since this is a new area, NPTI may be

designated as Certification Authority for an initial period of 3 years. After

this period, a review may be done to see if any other agency, which is

not conducting training for system operators can be designated as

certification authority.

5.3.2 Each Load Despatch Centre would be required to furnish the

appropriate Electricity Regulatory Commissions with an Annual

Compliance Report of certification for each of the System Operators

working in their LDC

5.4 Whether Certification Authority will be the same both for

RLDC and SLDC?

The functions entrusted to ALDCs, SLDCs, RLDCs and NLDC are

broadly similar in nature, though the quantum of power / transmission

system being handled may vary from State to State and Region to

Region. The Committee feels that NPTI may be designated as the

Certification Authority for NLDC, RLDCs, SLDCs and ALDCs for

maintaining uniformity in the pattern of examination.

17

6.0 Recommendations on Designing suitable course at IITs, NITs,

IIMs etc. for sponsored candidates from Load Dispatch Centres

6.1 Identification of Institutes / Organisations for conducting

these courses

As already mentioned, in addition to NPTI premier institutes like NITs,

IITs and IIMs should also be roped in to provide training to LDC

executives, particularly the advanced level training. The Committee

recommends that in line with the charter of Forum of Load Despatchers

(FOLD), Secretariat of FOLD can pursue with these premier institutes to

regularly conduct short-term courses specially designed for LDC

executives. Secretariat of FOLD can also hold discussions with IITs, IISC

and NITs to examine feasibility of starting a post graduate course in

system operation in one of these institutes. Alternatively, since many

institutes are already offering post graduate course in power systems,

these institutes may be persuaded to offer couple of subjects more

relevant to system operation as electives.

6.2 Procedure for selection of candidates and Level of experience

/ designation of candidates for undergoing these courses

The Committee feels that all entry level and middle level executives

should get opportunity to attend specialised short-term courses to be

conducted by IITs, IISC and NITs. However, for post-graduate courses,

only LDC executives who have completed at least 3 years of service and

have obtained desired certification may be sponsored. Since sponsoring

organisation will be incurring expenditure in the form of course fee as

well as salary during this period, the sponsored candidate may be

18

required to sign a bond to serve the organisation for a specified period.

The discretion to nominate a LDC executive for post-graduate course

may rest with head of the LDC, who among other things, shall take into

account performance appraisal of the candidate.

6.3 Periodicity and Duration of courses

Short term specialised courses may be conducted at least twice a year,

perhaps once in summer and once in winter. Post-graduate course are

generally of 24 months duration and it may not be possible to alter this

duration especially for LDC executives. Of these 24 months, 12 months

are assigned for dissertation work and possibility of completing

dissertation work after joining the duty may be examined, provided the

candidate is appropriately loaded and should be allowed to interact with

his supervisor.

6.4 Identification of multi lateral institutions for funding

6.4.1 There appears to be growing awareness in the power sector about

training needs of the system operators. The Committee expects that this

will translate into provision of adequate funds for training in the ‘fees and

charges’ for LDCs to be approved by appropriate Commissions.

However, periodical training in the reputed institutes and exchange visits

with the system operators abroad is desirable, which may require

additional funding. A collaboration with International Energy Institute like

Siemens PTI, Florence School of Regulation (European University

Institute), Areva, GE, independent system operators (ISOs/TSOs i.e.

National Grid, UK,) and PJM of USA etc.) could be developed by the

19

Institutes imparting training to the System Operators for understanding of

latest technology in Power Sector and the role of LDCs in regulated

environment. Possibility of obtaining funds from multilateral institutions

like ADB and World Bank etc may be explored for structured training

programmes and for creation of specialised infrastructure in the training

institutes, if so required.

6.4.2 The Training Institutes designated to impart training to the System

Operators should be encouraged to interact with international agencies

imparting similar Certification facilities in the field of System Operation in

order to adopt the best industry practices and further enrich the Course

Content and improvise the whole Certification Process further

6.4.3 The Committee recommends that collaboration with National /

International Institutes for developing and resolving the operational as

well as commercial issues be explored.

6.4.4 The Academia may be encouraged to explore the possibility of

research work in the fields relevant to system operation. A possibility of

identifying power system operational problems and their required

solutions through continual research can be explored.

6.5 Interaction with the selected multi lateral institutions

NPTI or other accredited training institutes in consultation with FOLD and

CEA may approach multilateral institutions for funding through Ministry of

Power, Government of India.

.

20

Annex-I

Extracts of the Report of the Committee on Manpower,

Certification and Incentives for System Operation and Ring

Fencing Load Despatch Centres

“6.3 Recommendation 3

The Committee recommends

a) Introduction of a system of certification of System Operators by

an independent Central body, similar to the system followed in

case of Air Traffic Controllers.

b) Establishment of a Central Institute for training of System

Operators. Initially the National Power Training Institute (NPTI)

may be entrusted with the responsibility of training and certification.

c) Within the next one year, all the course material, systems and

procedures required for administering a “basic level” of training and

certification should be developed.

d) All LDCs must ensure that all the personnel of LDCs undergo

this ‘basic level’ training and certification and only certified

personnel staff the LDCs within two years from the release of this

report. The appropriate Electricity Regulatory Commissions would

be furnished with an Annual Compliance Report of this requirement.

Subsequently advanced level training and certification programme

must be introduced.

e) Fresh recruitment at regular intervals for lowering the average

age of the work force in the LDCs.

21

f) Introduction of suitably designed courses in the Indian Institutes

of Technology and National Institutes of Technology for ensuring

availability of skilled manpower.

g) Active collaboration of LDCs with educational institutes for research and development related to Indian power system and electricity market operation.”

22

Annex-II

Action Plan formulated for implementation of the Recommendations of the Pradhan Committee

(Relevant extract of the minutes of the meeting held on 7-10-2008)

QUOTE

UNQUOTE

23

Annex-III Central Electricity Authority

Grid Management Division Sewa Bhawan, R.K.Puram, New Delhi-110 066

No. 8/X/ISOp./GM-2008 dated 24.12.08

Office Order

A Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Power vide Order

No.6/2/2008-Trans. dated 4th February 2008 to examine issues relating to Manpower, Certification and Incentives for the personnel employed in System Operation at various levels and also for Ring - Fencing the Load Dispatch Centres to ensure their functional autonomy and give recommendations. The Committee submitted the Report in August 2008.

A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Power) on 7th October, 2008 at Vigyan Bhawan regarding implementation of the Report of this Committee. An Action Plan was prepared and circulated by MoP vide O.M. No.6/2/2008-Trans.dated 13th October 2008.

In terms of this O.M. of MoP, Sl.No.1&2 of Clause 6.3d of Recommendation No. 3, Committees are to be constituted by CEA for the Training and Certification of System Operators. Further, in terms of Sl.No.1 of Clause 6.3 g of Recommendation No. 3, a committee is to be constituted by CEA to design suitable course at IITs, NITs, IIMs etc. for sponsored candidates from Load Dispatch Centres. It has been decided to constitute a combined committee with the following members :

i) Member(GO&D),CEA - Chairman ii) Director General, NPTI iii) Chief Engineer(Grid Management), CEA. iv) Executive Director(SO), POWERGRID. v) General Manager, NRLDC, New Delhi. vi) General Manager, WRLDC, Mumbai. vii) General Manager, SRLDC, Bangalore. viii) General Manager, ERLDC, Kolkata. ix) General Manager, NERLDC, Shillong. x) Member Secretary, NRPC, New Delhi. xi) Member Secretary, WRPC, Mumbai. xii) Member Secretary, SRPC, Bangalore. xiii) Member Secretary, ERPC, Kolkata. xiv) Member Secretary, NERPC, Shillong.

24

xv) Chief Engineer, SLDC, UP Power Corporation Limited, Lucknow. xvi) Chief Engineer, SLDC, MSETCL, Thane, Navi Mumbai. xvii) Chief Engineer (Grid Operation), SLDC, APTRANSCO,

Hyderabad. xviii) Chief Engineer, SLDC, WBSETCL, Howrah, West Bengal. xix) Chief General Manager, LDC, Assam Electricity Generating

Corporation Ltd., Guwahati- Assam.

xx) Director(HRD), CEA xxi) Director(Grid Management), CEA - Convener The terms of reference of the Committee will be as follows: (i) Training of System Operators a) Identification of training curriculum/course layout for System

Operators including lectures/simulator training/site visits. b) Identification of Institutes/Organisations for conducting of

training/site visits. c) Duration of training. d) Basic level training/Advanced training. e) Periodicity of training (ii) Certification of System Operators a) Criteria for Certification of System Operators. b) Certification procedure. c) Periodicity of Certification. d) Certification Authority. e) Online certification procedure. f) Whether Certification Authority will be the same both for RLDC and

SLDC. (iii) Design suitable course at IITs,NITs,IIMs etc. for sponsored candidates from Load Dispatch Centres

a) Identification of Institutes/Organisations for conducting these courses.

b) Level of experience/designation for candidates for undergoing these courses.

c) Procedure for selection of candidates. d) Duration of courses. e) Periodicity of courses. f) Identification of multilateral institutions for funding. g) Interaction with the selected multilateral institutions.

25

The Committee would submit its report by 31.5.2009.

Sd/- ( Pankaj Batra )

Director To, All Members of the Committee. Copy for kind information to:

1. Chairman, UP Power Corporation Ltd., Lucknow. 2. Managing Director, MSETCL, Mumbai. 3. Chairman & Managing Director, APTRANSCO, Hyderabad. 4. Chairman, WBSETCL, Kolkata. 5. Managing Director, AEGCL, Guwahati.

Copy also forwarded for kind information to:

1. Member (PS), CEA. 2. Chief Engineer (HRD), CEA. 3. Director (OM), MoP. 4. PPS to Chairperson, CEA. 5. PS to Member (GO&D), CEA

26

Annex – IV

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

Annex-V

Central Electricity Authority

North Eastern Regional Power Committee

Meghalaya State Housing Finance Co-Operative Society Ltd. Building

Nongrim Hills, Shillong – 793003. Ph : 0364-2520034, Fax: 0364-2520030, email: msnerpc@dataone.in, website: www.nerpc.nic.in

Subject: First meeting of the combined committee for Training and Certification of System

Operators and to design suitable course at IITs, NITs, IIMs etc. for sponsored

candidates from Load Dispatch Centres held on 30.1.2009.

This refers to discussions that had taken place in above mentioned meeting held in

CEA office New Delhi. During the discussions it was concluded that the proposed course

content details prepared by NPTI which were circulated in the meeting would be seen by the

members and suggestions/comments sent to GM division for taking further action to finalise

the course module by the Combined Committee. In the above context, our views are furnished

as follows:-

(i) The course program outline in terms of number of sessions has higher

allocation of time for elementary electrical engineering part. As the course

participants are expected to be holding degree in electrical engineering and

handling load despatch related works/activities, a brief refresher process

which covers practical aspects and application part should suffice.

(ii) Provision of relatively higher allocation of time shall require to concentrate

upon in-depth exposure in the real-time functioning under regulatory

environment both technically and commercially, wherein grid operation

encounters several constraints.

(iii) The detailed coverage through lecture sessions may be provided by the

experts of world-class in the field on topics of the like - congestion

management and role of power exchange/power trading agencies thereof,

effective and financially viable grid operations/management, commercial

skills etc.

(iv) Hands-on training in real case-studies on simulators should cover most part

of time in comprehensive Lab sessions.

(Manjit Singh) Member Secretary

Chief Engineer, (GM Division), Central Electricity Authority, R.K.Puram, Sewa Bhawan,

New Delhi

No. NERPC/OP/2009 Date 10th February,

2009 Copy:

1. Member (GO&D), CEA, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 2. Managing Director, AEGCL, Guwahati

34

Views of Maharashtra SLDC

Training needs

In order to execute the functions stated in the Electricity Act 2003 and to meet its objectives, the training needs on the following aspects have been identified:

a) Economic Despatch & Control, Energy accounting, Contract and Regulation issues, Energy Trading, Power Exchange, Market mechanism for firm and non firm power, Transmission network congestion management.

b) Merit order operation, Wheeling of Power, Open access, Independent system operator, Transmission system operator, Free governor operation for frequency control, Excitation Control.

c) Power system dynamics, Power system stability, Power system studies, Long term and short term estimation of Energy requirement and peak Demand.

d) SCADA systems, Energy Management system, Communication Network management, automation, Microwave and satellite systems in power system communication.

e) Protection practices of Generator, Transformer, Transmission lines, bus-bar, Sub-station, Special Protection schemes for grid security, System security and Reliability assessment, Reliability standards, Standards for connectivity to the grid, Grid standards for operation and maintenance of transmission lines.

The functions and responsibilities as stated above needs qualified, skilled and trained staff at LD Centres. There are limited institutes in India, which are carrying out the Training Courses on the above aspects. Though all the training need aspects are not covered, Training Courses in NPTI Bangalore and ESCI Hyderabad shall cover partially the training needs. Engineers from SLDC are being deputed regularly for attending the training courses conducted by these Institutes, however, the training needs are not completely fulfilled.

Academy and Power Industry Interaction and their Proposed Roles :- In view of the proposed “Manpower, Certification and Incentives for System Operation and Ring fencing of Load Despatch Centres” the Premier Technological Institutions in India like IITs, NITs as well as Management Institutions like IIM can play a major role for academy and industry interaction as well as development of various Certified Courses like Post Graduate Diplomas / Degree. 1. Role of Premier Technological Institutions ( like IITs, BITS,VIT & NITs) :-

Premier Technological Institutions in India like IITs,BITS,VIT & NITs can design a course for System Operation and Control , covering all the aspect of real time power system operation including Economic Despatch, Contingency Analysis , Power System Stability & Studies including Dispatcher Training Simulator SCADA , EMS & Expert System for use of domain knowledge intelligence of power system operation. IIT Mumbai has also developed a module on Power System Operation and Control.

35

2. Role of Premier Management Institutions (like IIMs, MDI,JBMIS,NMIMS) :-

Premier Management Institutes like IIMs,JBIMS, NMIMS MDI, and other well known management institutes can be entrusted to develop a program for deregulated electrical power market . A certificate course covering Open Access ,Market operation, Energy Trading , and role of Power Exchanges, Regulatory and Legal frame work for implementing EA-2003.

3. Improving the Quality of Existing Employees :-

To cover these roles IITs, NITs, IIMs can develop such courses leading to MBA / M.Tech or various certificate courses for existing employees thus improving the quality of the personnel to the required state. A liberal study leave along with full payment towards academic & hostel be also given to attract the employees to pursue the course with elevated posting .

4. Dedicated Courses for attracting New /Fresh Talents :-

National Power Training Institute at Nagpur , Gaziabad , University of Petroleum and Energy Studies ( (UPES) at Deharadun ,Gurgaon & Rajmundry are presently conducting a dual degree B.Tech( Power System) with MBA (Power Management) . Students pursuing such courses be awarded full scholarship along with preferential absorption in the organisations ( NLDC, and its constituent members, PGCIL ,NTPC , Gencos, Transcos & Discoms ) at Executive level and creating a pool of talented power system engineer.

5. Interaction with International Institutes.:-

A collaboration with International Energy Institute UK,s, Independent System Operators (ISOs/ TSOs , i.e. National Grid UK , USA ,PJM etc) be developed for latest technology in power sector and the role of SLDC in regulated environment.

6. Development & Setting up of National Level Research Institute & Energy Institute :- A research institute and a collaboration with National / International Institutes for developing and resolving the operational as well as commercial issues be explored. The academies be encouraged to explore the possibility and encouraging the employees for research work. A possibility of power system operational problems and their required solution through continual research can be explored. A separate energy Institute be set up at New Delhi which comprised of 50 % members of academic institutes and 50 % members of Power utilities for further research and system operation with a collaboration with International institutes.

36

7. Attracting New /Fresh Talents :-

Fresher graduates from institutions like IITs, BITS,NITs, IIMs , NPTI can be absorbed at a level of Executive Engineer (Trainee) with partial / full scholarship to attract the talent to pursue the recent technology and fresh blood for power sector oriented jobs and responsibilities.

37

West Bengal State Electricity Transmission

Company Limited (A Govt. of W.B. Enterprise)

Office of the Chief Engineer State Load Despatch Centre (W.B.),

PO: Danesh Sk. Lane, Howrah – 711 109.

Meno No : SLDC/HOW/116/2007-08/381 Dated : 07/03/2009

To

The

Director (GM),

Central Electricity Authority,

Sub: Course module for Load Despatchers’Certification Programme

Ref: Your e-mail dated 04/03/2009.

Dear Sir,

We have carefully gone through the Course Module prepared for System Operator Training &

Certification Programme. In our view, though it has covered almost all the relevant areas still we

believe that incorporation of few more topics will be beneficial.

With implementation of different aspects of Electricity acts and regulations the work of Load

Despatch Centers has gained various dimensions. Hence in our view the workforce of Load Despatch Centers may broadly be divided in five categories and the course modules may be distributed to those

categories according to the need.

We are providing herewith the suggested category wise details in annexure - I and the proposed new modules in annexure – II.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully

Sd/-

_________________

[ D. Ganguly]

Chief Engineer, SLDC, WB

38

WBSETCL Annexure – I

Categorization of SLDC workforce:

Category – I Target group: All operating personnel.

Minimum educational qualification: Diploma or equivalent / Graduate (BSc)

Minimum year of experience: Nil

Other conditions ---

Modules to be covered: Module – 1, 6, 19, 21.

Category – II

Target group: Control Engineers or equivalent

Minimum educational qualification: BE or equivalent.

Minimum year of experience: Nil Other conditions: ----

Modules to be covered: Module – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 19,

19A*, 21.

Category – III

Target group: Shift Charge Engineer or equivalent

Minimum educational qualification: BE or equivalent.

Minimum year of experience: 5 years in relevant field

Other conditions: Already undergone training of category -II

Modules to be covered: Module – 8, 12, 13, 14, 17*, 18, 19A*, 20, 21.

Category – IV Target group: Management group

Minimum educational qualification: BE or equivalent.

Minimum year of experience: adequate experience in relevant field. Other conditions: -----

Modules to be covered: Module – 8, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17*, 18, 20, 21.

Further to perform statistical and Financial activities in SLDC there may be Statistical wing and

Financial wing. So it is proposed to treat them in a separate category and they must be trained.

Category – IA

Target group: Manager (Finance & Accounts) and Statistical officer or equivalent.

Minimum educational qualification: Graduate(B.Com)or equivalent / Graduate(BSc)

or equivalent. Minimum year of experience: Nil

Other conditions ---

Modules to be covered: Module – 1, 7, 17, 19, 21, 22*

* We have added few relevant topics in module 17 and added a new module 19A, 22 to meet the

demand of the day.

39

WBSETCL Annexure – II

Modifications and addition of new modules.

Module – 17: (in addition to point 17.1 to 17.7)

17.8. Various Regulation introduced by respective State Regulatory Commission.

17.9. Comparative study between various State and Central Regulations.

Module – 19A (proposed new module)

19A.1 Basics of Network architecture (LAN, WAN, Routers, Switches etc.)

configuration and maintenance of the same.

19A.2 Knowledge of Database (preferably Oracle).

19A.3 Maintenance of website.

19A.4 Updation and loading of various data in website.

Module – 22 (proposed new module) 22.1 Various Accounts related tools and software.

22.2 Different statistical tools and software

40

Annex-VI

Course Contents of the Modules for Training Curriculum of System Operators

The course contents for each of the module are given below.

1. Module – 1: Orientation / Overview

This module aims at giving an Overview of Power System

Operation and provides a firm foundation for further building up of

the understanding and would comprise of the following:

1.1 General

a) Electricity supply chain, components of the power system

b) Evolution of the Indian power systems – a brief historical

background

c) Regional grids in India, development of state, regional and

national grids

d) Load dispatch functions, Load Despatch Centres in India

e) Institutional framework

f) Distribution of energy sources in the Country

g) Sources of Power – Hydro, Thermal, Nuclear, Gas,

Renewable

h) Typical load profile, variation in loads, diurnal, seasonal

i) Major load centers

j) Overview of Regional/State grids

1.2 Grid Operation

a) Control Areas; Regional and state power systems

b) Interconnections, characteristics, merits & demerits

c) Inter-Regional Links, capacities

41

d) Peculiarities of Indian Grids

e) Planning philosophy

f) Generators – Characteristics, Limitations

k) Characteristics of power system equipments – Transmission

lines, transformers, shunt/series capacitors and reactors,

FACTS, FSC, SVC, HVDC

g) Frequency Control

h) Voltage Control

i) Protection Systems, UFR, df/dt, SPS, Islanding

j) Transmission capacities and transfer capability

k) Flowgates

1.3 Logistics:

a) Control Centers – typical work areas, functions

b) SCADA

c) Communication Systems Used the Control Center

d) IT Systems

1.4 Market Operation

a) Settlement System – ABT, UI

b) Metering

c) Open Access, Long Term, Short Term, Products

d) Power Exchange Operation

1.5 Legal & Regulatory Framework

2. Module – 2: Review of Electrical Engineering Fundamentals

The objective of this module is to provide a quick review of the

theoretical background. This module contains:

42

a) Active and reactive power

b) P – f , Q – V relationship

c) Effect of conductor resistance – voltage drop, energy loss

d) Inductive/Capacitive reactance of the line, effect on voltage

e) Sine wave & RMS Values

f) Power angle

g) Load impedance & effect on current flow through

transmission lines

h) Effect of line voltage on energy losses

i) Flow of reactive power – positive and negative VARs

j) Generation – fundamentals, types, characteristics

k) Power (Watts) and Energy (Watt Hours)

l) Wye and Delta connections, current and voltage relationships

m) Transformers

3. Module – 3: Generation

The objective of this module is to give exposure on the generation

technology and the operational characteristics of the generators.

a) Overview of Generators

• Components

• Basic Operating principles

• Rotational Speed

• Characteristics, Droop

b) Types of generating units

• Steam

• Nuclear

• Hydro

• Combustion Turbines

• Combined Cycle Plants

43

c) Operational characteristics

• Coal-fired Generation

• Hydro Generation- Run-of-the river, Reservoir based etc.

• Pumped Storage Hydro Generation

• Combined Cycle Generation

• Nuclear Generation

d) Renewable / Non-conventional Energy Sources

4. Module – 4: Transmission

The focus of this module is on the transmission system operation.

a) Operating voltages

b) Types of transmission towers.

c) Conductor material, conductor layout and conductor spacing

on the towers

d) Insulators types-porcelain, glass, polymer, anti – fog

e) Features and limitations of transmission cables.

f) HVDC transmission

g) FACTS, Series Compensation

h) The effect of transmission line conductor resistance and

inductance.

i) Line voltage drop and power angle, effect of line loading on

voltage drop and power angle, effect of load power factor on

voltage drop and power angle.

j) The need to generate and provide MVAR, Sources and sinks

of reactive power

k) Charging current required due to the line shunt capacitance,

production of reactive power by line shunt capacitance,

Ferranti effect

44

l) Line reactive compensation equipment, including: reactors,

capacitors,

m) Synchronous condensers and static VAR compensators.

n) Substations, layout, equipment, different bus arrangements,

circuit

o) Breakers & types

p) Transformers, physical construction, cooling arrangements,

q) Autotransformers, Instrument transformers

5. Module 5 – Distribution

5.1 Introduction

a) System layouts

b) Distribution Transformers

c) Cables and conductors

5.2 Power Quality issues

a) Voltage flicker

b) Interruptions

c) Voltage Swell/ Sag

d) Voltage unbalance

e) Reactive support

5.3 Distribution System Planning and Reliability

5.4 Distributed Generation

6. Module – 6: Power System Protection

6.1 Introduction

a) Aspects of power system protection

b) Zones of Protection

c) Classification of protection relays based on Operation

Quantity, Design, Application

45

6.2 Elements of Protection System

a) Instrument transformers – Characteristics & influence

b) Circuit Breakers – types, construction and operation of circuit

breakers, criticality of Breaker operation for protection system,

earthing, DC source

c) Power system faults – Review of symmetrical components

and power system faults, Types of faults, Calculation of fault

currents

6.3 Over current relays

(a) Principle of operation,

(b) Current and time based co-ordination

(c) Different time gradations like definite time inverse time very

inverse time etc. and its applications

d) Directional relays

6.4 Impedance protection

a) Impedance protection and fault loops

b) Impedance relay characteristics

c) Reactance

d) Impedance

e) Admitance (MHO)

f) Quadrilateral

g) Special characteristics

h) Faults affecting impedance relay performance

i) Fault resistance

j) Load encroachment

k) Remote in feed

l) Mutual induction

46

6.5 Differential Protection

a) High impedance differential

b) Biased differential

c) Low impedance differential

6.6 Generator Protection

6.7 Transmission line protection

a) Unit protection

b) Pilot wire

c) Phase comparison

d) Distance Protection

e) Various aspects of Carrier aided protection

f) Single-phase auto-reclosing

g) Protection of series compensated line

6.8 Transformer and reactor protection

6.9 System Protection Schemes - Need for SPS, types

6.10 HVDC protection

6.11 Other Protections

a) Protection for abnormal frequency and voltages

b) Different type of Bus configuration

c) Bus bar protection Zones

d) Need for LBB protection and LBB protection Logics

6.12 New technologies

a) Phasor measurements-techniques and its application

b) Wide area protection and control

47

7. Module-7: Grid Operation and Management

7.1 System Frequency & Tie Line Control:

b. Deviation of frequency from nominal, permissible limits of

excursion

c. Governors, response to frequency changes, droop &

typical settings

d. Types of generators participating in frequency control,

provisions in IEGC

e. Sudden tripping large units or entire stations

f. Load response

g. Frequency response characteristics, calculation

h. Automatic Generation Control

i. Area Control Error

7.2 System Voltage Control

The objective of this module is to provide the principle of

voltage control on the transmission network.

a. Need for both Watts and VARs, Positive and negative

VARs

b. Equipment absorbing VARs / generating VARs

c. Voltage difference and flow of VARs, direction of flow

d. Compensation, Synchronous condensers, Static VAR

compensators, series compensation

e. Role of generator excitation, AVR, response to changing

VAR Requirement in the system, leading / lagging pf

operation

f. VAR requirement vis-à-vis line loadings

g. SIL, VAR generation above and below SIL of a line

48

h. Need for local generation of VARs

i. P-V curves, knee of the curve, normal operating region

j. Voltage limits as per norms (IEGC)

k. Voltage collapse, specific case studies / examples, need

for advance

l. action

m. Tap changing of transformers

n. Possible corrective actions that can be taken in cases of

emergency.

7.3 Day-ahead Resource Scheduling:

a. Load forecasting

b. Resources available

c. Preparation of daily schedules

d. Shortages

e. Base load stations

f. Peaking stations

g. Must – run stations

h. Generation location & effect on losses

i. Open Access-Bilateral contracts and Power Exchange

transactions

j. Economic despatch based on cost comparison, Security

constrained dispatch

k. Hydro stations, water releases

l. Pumped storage plants

m. Unscheduled Interchange

n. Demand Side Management, Load regulation

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7.4 System Security

a. Definition

b. Operating limits

c. Power angle, limits

d. Alarms

e. Steady state, dynamic and transient stability

f. Define boundaries of normal operation

g. States of power system operation

h. Credible contingencies

i. Secure operation of the power system

j. Impact of tripping a large generator

k. Loop flows, parallel flows

l. Loadability of a transmission line – thermal ratings,

transmission

m. Capacity, transfer capability, line lengths

n. TTC, RM, ATC

o. Effect of line loadings on reactive requirements

p. Maximum permissible voltage drop following credible

contingencies

q. Loss of synchronism

r. Effect of compensation

s. Voltage collapse

t. Typical transformer ratings, overload magnitude, duration,

loss of life

u. Use of SCADA/EMS tools to provide alerts to the operator

v. Insulation Coordination, Protection Coordination

w. Defense plans, SPS, UFR, UVLS

x. Methods for improving power system stability, corrective

actions

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y. Case studies of past major/minor disturbances

7.5 System Restoration

a. Identifying the critical parameters immediately after a

disturbance/incidence

b. First steps to be taken, preventing spread of the

disturbances

c. Black start procedures

d. Start up power for thermal stations

e. Hydro stations, gas stations

f. Frequency control, Load generation balance during

restoration

g. Charging of lines

h. Controlling voltage

i. Emergency loads, traction

j. SCADA requirements for monitoring separated areas

(islands)

k. Importance of communication

l. Case studies

7.6 SCADA / EMS and Communications

a. Overview, architecture, main components

b. SCADA

• Hardware – Overview

• System Software – Displays, Database, Disturbance

data collection modules/HDR retrieval & playback, HIM,

Trends, Alarms,

• Health check, trouble shooting

c. Energy Management System

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• Load forecasting – similar day forecast, weather based

load forecast, historical data

• Network study – Network modelling; special devices

like HVDC, FSC, pumped storage; network reduction &

equivalence

• State Estimation – techniques, detection & identification

of bad measurement, network observability

• Optimal power flow – Cost optimization, loss

optimization, control optimization

• Voltage & VAR scheduling

• Unit commitment

• Contingency Analysis

d. Communication Systems

• Overview- VSAT, Microwave, Optical Fibre etc.

• Hardware

• Protocols

• Configuration

• Communication network

7.7 Disturbance analysis

a. Grid Disturbances and Incidences

b. Classification of grid disturbances

• General approach for investigation of grid incidents

• Relay Numbering and interpretation of relay flag

indications

• Using inputs from SCADA-SOE and substation Event

Logger, Disturbance Recorder, Fault Locater

• Preparation of disturbance reports

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• Case studies

7.8 Power System Reliability

a. Adequacy- Long-term Planning, Procurement

b. Security

c. States of power system- Normal, Alert, Emergency,

Restorative

d. Planning criteria

e. Connectivity Standards, Grid Standards, Grid Code

f. Power system equipment capacity & limits

g. Transmission Capacity & Transfer capability

h. Total Transfer Capability, Reliability Margin, Available

Transfer Capability, First Contingency Total Transfer

Capability

i. ATC in planning and operating time frames

j. Requirement of Reliability Coordinators at organizational

level

7.9 Operational Planning and Power System Optimisation

a. Long term and short term load forecasting

b. Generation and transmission maintenance scheduling

c. Load curves

d. Long range & short range hydro thermal scheduling

e. Objective functions

f. Equality and inequality constraints

g. UI Mechanism, Arbitrage

h. Losses

7.10 Despatcher Training Simulator (DTS)

a. Elements of the DTS

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• Initiating a snapshot

• Snapshot timeline

b. Inputs and processing – training scenarios, time

considerations

c. Tools and Controls available

• Reactive control tools

• Active power flow control tools

• Network elements

• Status toggle

d. Outputs

e. Alarm processing

f. Message handling

g. Trends

h. Exporting results to standard formats such as IEEE, PTI,

DPF, etc.

i. Event scheduler

• Construction of events,

• User interface

j. Case Studies

• Power flow function

• Real time network scenario

• Relay simulation

• Islanding

• Restoration

7.11 Commercial & Economic Aspects

a. Introduction to Power System Economics

b. Electricity Markets

• Pool Operation

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• Coordinated Multilateral Trading Model

• Power Exchanges

• Capacity & Energy Markets

• Balancing mechanism

• Ancillary Services Market

c. Settlement System – ABT & UI

d. Modalities for access to transmission

• Long term

• Medium term

• Short Term

e. Metering and Settlement

• Measurement principles

• Meter placement

• Meter data collection, validation and processing

• Preparation of energy accounts and billing

• Regional Energy Account

• Unscheduled Interchange Account

• Reactive Energy Account

• Congestion Rent

7.12 Legal Framework, Policies & Regulations

a. Electricity Act 2003

b. Organizational set up in Power sector in India

c. National Electricity Policy

d. Tariff Policy

e. Grid Connectivity Standards

f. Grid Standards Regulations

g. Metering Regulations

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h. ERC Regulations and Comparative study of Regulations

of Central and State ERCs

• Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC)

• Open Access Regulations

• Terms and Conditions of Tariff

• Unscheduled Interchange Regulations

• Congestion Charge Regulations

• Other regulations

i. Activities of Forum of Regulators

7.13 System Operation – International Practices

a. PJM, USA

b. NGC, UK

c. Nord Pool

d. ETSO

e. NEMMCO, Australia

8 Module -8: Electricity Markets

8.1 Fundamentals of electricity markets

a) Restructuring, Corporatisation, Privatisation

b) Competitive markets – Pricing mechanisms

c) Regulated markets

8.2 Impact of transmission and system operation on

electricity markets

8.3 Wholesale market design

a) Bilateral contracts

b) Organised trading

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8.4 Market abuse and its mitigation

a) Market power and its evaluation

b) Implications of market abuse

c) Detection and avoidance of market abuse

9. Module-9: Data processing, analysis and interpretation

10. Module-10: Information Technology Tools

a. MS Word

b. MS Excel

c. MS Power Point

d. MS Access

e. MS Outlook, Email

f. Use of Internet

g. Use of Intranet

11. Module – 11: Management Module

a. Management Process

b. Managerial Skills & performance

c. Goals, Policy, Objectives

d. Human Resource Management

e. Inter-personal relations

f. Emotional Intelligence

g. ERP, Six Sigma

h. Motivation

i. Leadership skills

j. Knowledge management

k. Ethics at work

l. Communicating Effectively-spoken and written

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m. Stress Management

12. Module – 12: Practical Exposure

a. Site Visits to

• Thermal Generating Station

• Gas/Combined Cycle Based Generating Station

• Hydro Generating Station

• 400 kV / 220 kV Substation

• Load Despatch Center (Regional / State)

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Annex – VII

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

BETWEEN

<Name of educational institute>

AND

<Name of Load Despatch Centre/Company>

This Memorandum of Understanding is made and entered into on this _______ day of ______________ between ____________(Name of the Institute)_________ having its registered office at ____________________(address of the institute),(hereinafter called as “___________” which expression shall unless repugnant to the context herein include its successors and permitted assigns) and ____________(Name of the LDC organization)__________having its registered office at _____________________(hereinafter called as " COMPANY " which expression shall unless repugnant to the context herein include its successors and permitted assigns). 1. OBJECTIVES OF THE MOU The objective of this Memorandum of Understanding is:

a. to promote interaction between _________ and COMPANY in mutually beneficial areas.

b. to provide a formal basis for initiating interaction between ________and COMPANY.

2. PROPOSED MODES OF COLLABORATION

The Institute and the COMPANY propose to collaborate in the following areas a. Identification of energy related issues and development of topics and

possible agendas for exchanging information; b. Providing expert opinion, knowledge support in areas such as power

system operation, power market operation, grid disturbance analysis, protection coordination, integration of renewable sources of energy in the grid, deployment of new technology and related areas;

c. Organizing interactive sessions, panel discussions, invited talks, educational tours/visits in areas of mutual interest;

d. Consultancy in areas of mutual interest; e. Capacity building of COMPANY personnel through tailor made

programmes conducted by _____________(Name of the institute) in areas of interest to COMPANY.

f. Participation in seminars, visits, and exchanges; g. Sponsoring R&D projects, which may be carried out wholly at

____________(Name of the institute) or at premises of COMPANY or partly at (Name of the institute) ___________and partly at COMPANY;

59

h. Sponsoring student projects / fellowships in ______________ degree programs at the institute;

i. Sponsoring eligible employees of COMPANY for higher studies, specialized courses (Degree/Diploma/Certificate or any other suitable courses). The eligibility criteria for selection will be as per mutual agreement;.

j. Any other appropriate area of collaboration agreed upon between _______(Name of the institute) and COMPANY;

The parties may identify specific project(s) in any of the above areas and if required a separate agreement may be entered into between the two parties containing the details of collaborative programmes, roles and responsibilities of INSTITUTE and COMPANY, and sharing of expenditure and facilities etc.'

3. CONFIDENTIALITY

a. During and for a period of three years from the date of disclosure, each party agrees to consider as confidential all information disclosed by the other party in written or tangible form or, if orally disclosed confirmed in writing within thirty days of disclosure and identified as confidential by the disclosing party.

b. The obligations above shall not extend to any confidential information for which the receiving party can prove that this information: � is in the public domain at the time of disclosure or comes within the

public domain without fault of the receiving party. � is already known or become known to the receiving party � is received from a third party having no obligations of confidentiality to

the disclosing party, � is independently developed by the receiving party; or � is required to be disclosed by law or court order.

4. NON-EXCLUSIVITY

The relationship of the parties under this MOU shall be nonexclusive and both parties, including their affiliates, subsidiaries and divisions, are free to pursue other agreements or collaborations of any kind. However, when entering into a particular research agreement, the participants may agree to limit each party's right to collaborate with others on that subject.

5. TERM

This MOU, unless extended by mutual written agreement of the parties, shall be valid for a period of 3 years from the date of execution of the MOU This MOU may be amended by mutual written agreement of the parties at any time.

6. TERMINATION This MOU may be terminated by mutual agreement between the parties. However, either party shall have the right to unilaterally terminate this MOU upon 60 days prior written notice to the other party. However, no such early termination of this MOU, whether mutual or unilateral, shall affect the obligations of the participants under any Agreement, Confidentiality clause as

60

referenced in clause 6 above, or any other agreement entered into pursuant to this MOU, which obligations shall survive any such termination.

7. RELATIONSHIP

Nothing in this MOU shall be construed to make either party a partner, an agent or legal representative of the other for any purpose. This MOU shall not create a legally binding agreement between the Parties.

8. ASSIGNMENT

It is understood by the Parties herein this MOU is based on the professional competence and expertise of each party and hence neither Party shall transfer or assign this Agreement, or rights or obligations arising hereunder, either wholly or in part, to any third party.

9. COSTS The costs shall be borne between the parties as per the mutual agreement. .

10. SIGNED IN DUPLICATE This MOU is executed in duplicate with each copy being an official version of the Understanding.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties, hereto acting through their duly authorized representative, have caused this Memorandum of Understanding to be executed, effective as of the day and year first above written.

On behalf of on behalf of Name of the Institute COMPANY

By : By : Name : Name : Title : Designation : Date : Date :

Witness : Witness :

1. 1.

2. 2.

61

Annex-VIII

Comments of NPTI on the Draft Report circulated on 11th December 2009

No.NPTI/HQ/DG-8/2009/5113 Date : 17-12-2009

To

Shri Ajay Talegaonkar Director (Grid Management Division) Central Electricity Authority Sewa Bhawan, R.K.Puram New Delhi – 110066. Subject: Comments on Draft Report on Training and Certification of System

Operators Sir, I am directed to refer to your e-mail dated 11.12.2009 on the above subject and to furnish followingcomments on the Draft Report on System Operator Training and Certification for your kind perusal : 1. Considering the number of system operators requiring the basic training and the

infrastructural facilities available with NPTI, especially the latest Dispatcher training simulator, there may not be any need to identify any other Institute except the Regional institutes of NPTI to start with. This will avoid duplication of infrastructure and later under utilization. Hence the clause under Para 1. c) that an institute must get accredited from CEA before it starts imparting training to LDC executives may be excluded. As contemplated for NITs, IITs, IIMs and IISc requirement of accreditation need not be made applicable to NPTI also. As NPTI will remain as certifying authority and already in the field of training Power System engineers for decades NPTI Institutes should not be put on par with any other new Institute to be set up for this purpose by any other organization.

2. Instead of venturing for new Institutes the Institutes of NPTI can be supported

with necessary funds to supplement and modernize their laboratories for more hands on training.

3. The Faculty of NPTI may also be deputed regularly for advanced level training

at IITs, IIMs etc. and other Institutes of International repute in this field.

U2/-

62

- 2 -

4. A system may be evolved to have more interaction by NPTI faculty with Load

Dispatch Stations and all other players. This will ensure proper updating of the training program as well the effectiveness of the certification. An earlier proposal to include NPTI in Regional Power Committees may be reconsidered.

5. NPTI may also be supprted to have a collaboration with IIT/IISC/IIM to conduct

research in the field of Power Sector operation. This issues with the approval of competent authority.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/- (A.V.CHAOJI)

Principal Director